Trailer Braking Automatic??

I have a 2019 double cab limited. Came factory with the 4/7 pin trailer connectors & class 3 hitch. I’m led to believe this means it has the towing package.

I’m purchasing a 2 axle 5x10 trailer with trailer brakes.

I know what the “standard” dash button looks like to activate trailer brakes but I don’t see any buttons on the dash related to trailers, trailer brakes, or a setting in the computer to turn on a towing feature. Am I missing something? Is it all automatic when the 7 pin is plugged in? New to towing so if I sound like I need a kindy garten explanation, feel free to make your reply elementary.

 

Your truck is pre-wired for the brake controller, you need to purchase it along with the appropriate cable.
The plug is located in the kick panel adjacent to the drivers left foot.

 

I believe a brake controller is still needed, the truck is just pre wired to use it

 

Thank you Rusty. I truly expected a lot more flack before I got a quality answer. Much appreciated.

 

Take a look in this section, lots of good info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/towing.34/

Many members use a Liberty RedArc brand controller, just type "RedArc" in the search box in the upper right of any page will yield lots of reading for you.

 

You definitely need a brake controller. As others said the Redarc pro is the best one for the Tacoma. It has a way that it's installed that only the one controller knob is seen. Nothing to bang your knees on.
There's a Liberty model and an elite. The elite can do triple axle trailers and has some modes for off road towing. The Liberty is made for on road towing of up to double axle trailers.
I have the Liberty in my truck. I'm only going tow on the road so that more affordable model is perfect.

 

I have the Tekonsha Prodigy 3... I've been very happy with it.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Br...AkS3dNrA7tLmkYtF2ei33ZEzDyaQeK0saAteFEALw_wcB



This install required the MESO cubby replacement panel.

 

Very clean install, looks great. For those of us who are cubby-less, unfortunately the Tekonsha becomes a knee basher.

 

You might not have the "cubby", but I'm pretty sure all Tacomas have a panel left of the steering wheel. This replaces that entire panel. Just relocate the OEM switches to the MESO panel.

https://mesocustoms.com/products/3rd-gen-tacoma-custom-made-switch-panel?variant=20230657802353

 

That's really good but the wait for a custom meso panel can be long. Not trying to knock down Meso. I have some of their stuff and it's good. The thing is it's a very small business, I'm not even sure they have many employees. It might be one guy. He makes his most popular items and can only do special things once in a while.
If you can't wait and need something custom looking installed the Redarc is the way to go. Parts are more available.

 

Not to mention the fact that Meso has their website motto on that item - "SOLD OUT". I used to be a fan, but ever since their tail light debacle and the problems people have had I won't be using them any more.

 

What happened there? I have the stage 1 total taillights few a few years and no issues. I do understand bulbs were a problem if they went bad but I believe vled actually makes and sells that now.

 

Grab yourself a Redarc. 20 minute install and amazingly functional. Mines been installed for two years and it’s easily the most functional trailer brake controller I’ve ever owned.

 

It's not the total tails with the issues, it's their tail lights made by Morimoto https://mesocustoms.com/collections...l-lights-full-led?_pos=3&_sid=0eb69f50c&_ss=r
They had issues with the tabs breaking and the tail lights falling out, plus the warranty process was less than desirable.

 

I don't disagree... I'm 100% not a MESO fan, just stating what I have and its compatibility.

 

Don't get me wrong, it looks OEM and for you it worked out great

 

I had and got rid of his garbage Morimoto/MESO tails... malfunctioned too much and way underperformed.

 

I still need to get this setup

 

Wow for as much as those cost when they came out I'm glad I passed on that. I already had the stage one kit which uses the factory lens assembly and it's way less expensive just not as cool looking.. looks aren't everything though.

 

Another vote for Redarc, clean and easy install.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-redarc-tow-pro-liberty-install.773860/

I bought this mounting bracket but you do not need it.